Many of our music education programs are self funded and not a part of the PSO budget. Community financial support is necessary and appreciated. If you would like to donate to PSO Education Fund for the 2013-2014 Season, please contact the PSO Office at (270) 444-0065.

Paducah Symphony Education Programs & Services impacted students over 13,000 times during the 2012-2013 Season:

Musical Story Time, a partnership with the McCracken County Public Library, impacted 5689 students in 70 programs with the Bach Edition: “Rock to Mr. J. S. Bach.” 150 books and CD’s were distributed to classrooms of 3rd, 4th, & 5th graders, and 3300 copies of the book, “Rock to Mr. J. S. Bach” were placed into the hands of children ages Pre-Kindergarden through 2nd grade. Additionally, 186 teachers received the book with a DVD reading of the Bach rap.

Paducah Symphony Orchestra Youth Concerts “Where in the World is the Symphony?” presented by the Class Acts Education Series at the Carson Center were attended by nearly 1900 students. An additional 430 of those in attendance also participated in the Instrument Petting Zoo, which was assisted by 20 Murray State students and 14 volunteers. Additionally, approximately 500 students were given harmonicas and taught how to play a short song in a workshop led by Robert Bonfiglio.

Paducah Symphony Youth & Children’s Choruses engaged 60 students this season and performed in the Made in America concert, two PSO concerts, and a year end concert. These students also performed regularly in Run-Out concerts throughout the community.

Paducah Symphony Youth Orchestra, comprised of 75 students involved in both the Advanced orchestra and the Sinfonia Preparatory Strings group performed in a Christmas Concert and a Spring Concert with the Paducah Symphony Children’s and Youth Choruses.. In addition, a String Ensemble performed in 11 Run-Out concerts at community events. The students played side-by-side with the PSO in their March concert as well.

Maestro Raffaele Ponti visited over 870 students in 16 schools. These “Maestro Visits” included rehearsing older groups of students as well as introducing the instruments of the orchestra to younger students.

Musical Chairs, partially underwritten by Ethan Allen Design Center, provided approximately 39 students the opportunity to sit next to a professional musician during a rehearsal of the PSO.

Young Artists Concerto Competition, in partnership with Murray State University, awarded two $1,000 scholarships to a violinist and a pianist, chosen from among 10 applicants. The winners will perform during the Youth Concerts with the PSO at the Carson Center on April 11, 2014.

Ensembles in Schools, partially underwritten by Ronald McDonald House Charities, sent a PSO Wind/String Trio, a String Quartet, and a Brass Quintet to play 11 concerts in schools of our area this spring, reaching approximately 3041 students.